The last 39 days have brought a spectacle to the United States — and Philadelphia witnessed it firsthand.
Read more Phillies look ahead to Dodgers after No. 5 starter Alan Rangel struggles in series loss to Mets
Whether you’re a fan of soccer or not, I hope you enjoyed this World Cup. I certainly did. From the Cinderella story of Cape Verde becoming the smallest nation ever to reach the round of 32 to watching the greatest footballers of all-time in Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi compete in what was likely to be their last appearances on this stage.
It also gave us a glimpse of the future: Norway’s Erling Haaland, England’s Jude Bellingham, and of course, Spain’s Lamine Yamal showed there’s more star power to come in 2030 — and if you’re thinking, “What about us?” Good news. Historically speaking, every World Cup spawns change, writes Kerith Gabriel.
But the U.S., during its 250th anniversary, was the perfect host, and it was the fans from all over the world who played a large part in making the tournament better. Watching Norway’s “row” chant or England singing “Wonderwall” were some of the many memorable moments off the pitch.
And on Sunday, in the Meadowlands, it was Spain that took down defending champion Argentina, 1-0, in overtime in front of a sold-out crowd of 80,663.
The clock read 125:01 when the final whistle blew, sealing Spain as the champion and marking the end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. What a ride!
— Isabella DiAmore, @phillysport, [email protected].
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Not chasing perfection
Trea Turner is working on addressing his plate discipline, which has been a major issue this season. He first needs to cut down on chasing pitches outside the strike zone — and he actually has shown improvement there.
Back in June, Turner was chasing at a 37.1% clip. In July so far, he has cut that to 29%. He isn’t chasing perfection, he just wants production.
And the Phillies dropped their first series after the All-Star break on Sunday, following Alan Rangel giving up five runs to the Mets before the third inning. It was the latest dud from a No. 5 starter. Now they’ll need to turn the page to the Dodgers.
What we’re…
⚾ Learning: Philadelphia fans helped turn the All-Star week into one of the strongest retail performances in the history of the Midsummer Classic.
👂 Hearing: While making anappearance at Fanatics Fest, LeBron James said he wants to go to a team that “trusts the process.”
🏌️ Watching: On Monday, the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship is returning to Saucon Valley Country Club for the first time since 1983.
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🏈 Wondering: After sitting out part of the offseason program due to injury, will Eagles first-round pick Makai Lemon be ready for training camp?
Loving the challenge
Jordan Mailata knows that the Eagles will look very different this season. With training camp just over a week away, the nine-year veteran said he and his teammates are focused on one thing: “Learning the playbook.”
The new playbook in question is the brainchild of offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, who is expected to implement a similar system to those of Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan. Mailata says he is excited about its potential.
Ohio basketball roots
Steve Gansey recently posted an old photo that was taken in 2000, and was on the front page of the Cleveland Plain Dealer’s sports section. It featured 10 high school basketball players from Northeast Ohio in their respective jerseys.
What caught folks’ attention was that it showed his older brother, Mike, standing alongside LeBron James. The two never competed against each other but shared a mutual respect.
Two-semester sport?
A change to Division I men’s soccer looks to be on the horizon. After years of discussion and debate, the NCAA adopted legislation to shift the sport’s season from the fall to a two-semester schedule.
However, several conferences opposed it. Philadelphia’s six Division I men’s soccer program weighed in on the possible change.
Marcus Hayes’ take
The World Cup, the PGA Championship, and the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, the most daunting events in this Summer of Sports Celebration, are finished here.
Well done, Philadelphia. Think about it. So many things could have gone wrong. Instead, the people in charge and those they represent can breathe sighs of relief after three high-profile events went off without an issue, writes columnist Marcus Hayes.
🧠 Trivia time
Before this year, when was the last time Spain won the World Cup?
A) 2006
B) 1998
C) 2010
D) 1990
We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Marcus Hayes, Scott Lauber, Kerith Gabriel, Jonathan Tannenwald, Lochlahn March, Olivia Reiner, Michael Klein, Ryan Novozinsky, Alex Coffey, Olivia Reiner, Lauren Jones, and Conor Smith.
By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.
Thanks for getting your morning started with me. Have a wonderful Monday, and we’ll be back in your inbox tomorrow. — Bella
Read more Spain outlasts Argentina to complete a star-studded World Cup final